Fascinating food in New York and occasionally farther afield

Between Meals

Correction: Previously I had written that Flushing's Golden Shopping Mall, in its entirety, would close at the end of July 2019. Subsequently I've learned of good news: The street-level businesses will remain open while the lower level (shown: Tianjin Dumpling House) is renovated over the course of three to four months. When the lower level reopens (alas, without Chengdu Tianfu), the street level will be made over. Ultimately, four new floors will be built atop the current structure.

As late as the 1950s, many New York gentlemen rarely went about bareheaded. By contrast this sign, probably exposed during construction, has been left uncovered, offering a tip of the hat to a restaurant-design fashion of today.

"That's a shame, I like a bit of Parkin with a cup of tea." Owing to that comment on my Flickr photostream — by Neil C., whose profile photo features a classic British red pillar post box — I've gleaned that parkin is an oatmeal gingerbread, dense with treacle, that's especially popular in northern England. In return, might Neil enjoy a primer on "alternate side of the street"?

Developed in Provence a century ago, pétanque is popular throughout the former French Indochina. The sport resembles lawn bowling, but without the lawn, and without the footwork — both feet are planted during the throw. In the words of the T-shirt worn by the player at right, "same same but different." Also shown: another Provençal transplant, neaby, with a less than traditional menu.

Provence in VientianeFrom a November 2006 visit to the capital of Laos